Dear Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Crikey.com.au reports that DFAT won't answer Crikey's questions on the fighting in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon, nor explain on the record why it chooses to remain silent.
Source: https://www.crikey.com.au/2024/10/21/for...

I request access to the following documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982:

1. Correspondence between DFAT and Crikey regarding how many Australians have been evacuated or killed as a result of the last 12 months of war in the Middle East. Crikey states this correspondence started on 11 October 2024.

2. Internal deliberation, decision-making and consultation with relevant line areas within DFAT as a result of Crikey's request for information. All documents that were created as a result of this process. This part should demonstrate:
i) The department's consideration of and response to Crikey's request for information.
ii) The decision-making process on whether to disclose the requested information.
iii) Any discussions about the rationale for not providing certain information or putting reasoning on the record.
iv) Consultations between different sections or individuals within DFAT regarding this matter.

The time period for my request is from 11 October 2024 to 21 October 2024.

Yours faithfully,

CR